Managing and Implementing Laboratory-Based Activities:
Challenges and Strategies among Science Teachers
Keywords:
laboratory-based activities, science education, science teachers, safety complianceAbstract
This study investigates effective measures to address challenges in managing and implementing laboratory-based activities and examines the status of science teachers. Utilising a mixed-methods research design, the study explores the specific challenges and strategies encountered by science teachers in laboratory management. Data collection involved distributing questionnaires with open-ended questions to science teachers, allowing them to articulate their experiences and approaches. This method captures a wide range of viewpoints and offers deeper insights into the challenges they encounter within the laboratory environment. Key findings emphasise the critical importance of meticulous planning, effective management practices, and proactive engagement in overcoming challenges inherent in laboratory-based science education. The study identifies persistent, multifaceted challenges in laboratory management, including resource inequities such as inadequate infrastructure and outdated equipment in schools, which restrict the experimental scope and diminish learning opportunities for students. Safety compliance emerges as a paramount concern, with risks heightened by inadequate teacher training and support for maintaining stringent safety standards. Furthermore, the absence of external support, such as trained laboratory assistants and sufficient time for personalised student guidance, exacerbates these challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring safe and enriching laboratory experiences that enhance student engagement and promote effective learning in science education.
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